Kinetic simulation of convection drying for its effect on nutritional, functional, and phytochemical profiling of Colocasia antiquorum and Nasturtium officinale leaves of the Himalayan region

Abstract

AbstractColocasia antiquorum (Taro) and Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) leaves are highly potent indigenous crops with rich nutritional and phytochemical profiles. The leaves were mathematically modeled, using thin‐layer models, to study the process kinetics for convection drying and its cumulative effect on the physico‐chemical, nutritional, functional, phytochemical, and targeted metabolite profiles. The best‐fit model for C. antiquorum was the two‐term model, whereas for N. officinale, Page model showed the best adequacy with the determination of least Chi‐square and high co‐efficient along with root mean square error. The color and pigment degradation were the prominent changes observed in the quality characteristics of C. antiquorum and N. officinale leaves depicted by the color degradation study. The nutritional composition was significantly affected by the convective drying with reduced ash, protein, and phenolic contents. The extraction yields were however higher along with some elevated metabolite contents estimated for convection drying in comparison to freeze‐dried leaves.Practical applicationsThis study explores the drying kinetic behavior for the progression of moisture loss occurring over the drying time and moderation of drying to achieve a desired moisture content at certain drying rates. The quality characterization before and after selected drying conditions revealed the sensitivity of the chlorophyll/carotenoid pigments, nutrients, and phenolics retained significantly after the end point of drying. Also, the effect of convective drying on the physicochemical, nutritional, and phytochemical contents was significant, which edifies the extent of alterations occurring due to convective drying on the quality characteristics of Colocasia antiquorum (Taro) and Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) leaves. Consequently, these two leafy vegetables hold good potential as crops to be promoted for nutritional security and health and wellness due to their rich bioactive profiles.